Winter is coming to an end here in Ontario and people everywhere are starting to dream of spring and summer. The sun will start to shine more and the temperatures will begin to creep up. We will finally come out of hibernation and start looking at the condition that winter has left our yards.
With spring around the corner, this is the perfect time to begin making plans to turn your backyard into your own private sanctuary. Try making these 5 additions to turn your backyard into a sanctuary.
Build a Deck or Patio
The first place to start in your backyard is by setting the proper foundation for your sanctuary with a deck or patio. There are plenty of options from cement patios, brick pavers, wood and composite wood (to name a few), a home renovation contractor can go over the best options and designs to suit your needs. When planning for your patio or deck make sure to think about how much room you will need based on what you plan on using it for. Here are some things to consider:
- Do you like to entertain and plan on having others over to enjoy your backyard sanctuary?
- Do you prefer the privacy of time alone in your yard to unwind?
- What type of furniture do you want to have on your deck or patio?
- Where is the best placement? And, what is the best shape for the deck or patio?
- How much maintenance do you want to do to upkeep your deck or patio?
Your patio or deck is where the majority of your outdoor entertaining will take place. Knowing how you plan to use the space will help you to properly design an area that you will love to escape to. If you love to entertain, you will want to make sure to plan room to accommodate a larger group. If you like to unwind by yourself outdoors, you might only want a small space that can provide you an escape from others.
Splurge on a Hot Tub
A hot tub makes a wonderfully relaxing addition when turning your backyard into your own personal sanctuary. What better way to unwind and relax after a long day than soaking in your own backyard hot tub.
Relaxing in a hot tub is good for both your mind and body; a concept that dates back to the early Romans, who used bathhouses for years as a form of medicine. It has been proven that the warm water and force of the jets increases circulation and relieve sore muscles. They can be used to reduce stress, improve digestion, treat lower back pain and sleep disorders. While there are numerous health benefits for sitting in a hot tub, they can also help to reduce stress. It’s hard to be stressed and worried while you have a drink in your hand and are sitting in the soothing water of a hot tub and visiting with friends or loved ones.
Hot tubs make great gathering places and this is a great reason to consider the setting and surroundings of your hot tub. Add some seasonal plants around your yard to give yourself something pretty to look at while you soak. Make getting into and out of your hot tub easier: build steps to help you climb in, build a full deck surrounding it with seating areas or go all out and have a recessed hot tub installed. And, you won’t want to forget storage for your towels that you can easily access when coming out of the water.
Add Warmth With an Outdoor Fireplace
There is just something about sitting around a fire with friends and family in the summer and fall that pulls people together and makes it easy for the conversation to flow as dusk begins to set in. Outdoor fireplaces can range from a large stone gas fireplace built by a contractor to a small portable unit that you pick up at your local home improvement store.
Including an outdoor fireplace in your backyard sanctuary plans helps you extend the amount of time each year that you can enjoy being outside while still staying warm. With an outdoor fireplace, you can start you outdoor entertaining earlier in the spring and keep it going later in the fall.
When thinking about adding an outdoor fireplace consider the size that you will want. How many people do you want to be able to sit nearby? Plan to leave enough room for proper seating around the fireplace as this will be an area that is a big draw for visitors, whether roasting marshmallows or visiting.
Create a Place to Cook with an Outdoor Kitchen
The kitchen tends to be the gathering place in a home, so what would a backyard sanctuary be without an outdoor kitchen? Once spring hits and we start to enjoy the outdoors again there is that thought in the back of everyone’s mind that says “winter will be here before you know it”. We have a shorter time up here to enjoy being outdoors without a winter coat, and an outdoor kitchen helps you to expand the amount of time and activities you can do outside in the warmth.
You can go small with a little bar, bar stools, and a grill or you can go big and include counters, a beverage bar, refrigerator and just about anything else you can think of. Close your eyes and imagine the feeling of the sun warming your body, the sound of burgers or steak sizzling on the grill with a side of corn wrapped with butter in tin foil warming next to them. Can you smell the aroma of the barbecue and almost taste the sweet lemonade on your lips? From the basic barbecue grill to the most elaborate outdoor kitchen setup, this is one addition that you will not regret.
Bring the Sounds of Nature with a Water Feature
Water features can take on a variety of forms and serve a variety of purposes. You can provide privacy from a nearby neighbor by installing a stone art wall with water flowing down. You can enjoy the sight of cascading waterfalls falling from large boulders. Or, you can relax with the stillness of a small garden fish pond. If you have a small backyard or patio area to work with, a water feature could be as simple as a small fountain.
Transform your backyard this year and start enjoying the great outdoors
Whether you have a lot of acreage to work with or a small backyard patio, you can create a backyard sanctuary this year. Enjoy the coming warm weather!
